Revisions to the Road Safety Act aim to modernize how driver health information is handled. The government has prepared amendments that would require notifying the National Traffic Inspectorate about illnesses that could affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle. These changes are designed to bring health data into a centralized system so authorities can assess fitness to drive more accurately. The proposed measures have received government approval and are slated for submission to the Duma for consideration in due course. If the legislation passes, it is expected to become effective on a planned date in the near future, subject to formal enactment.
Under the current framework, the inspection services lack timely insight into sudden health issues that may arise in a driver. The system now relies on information updated at long intervals, typically tied to license renewals and medical checks that occur infrequently. This means a driver could experience a health problem that goes unnoticed by the authorities for many years, potentially creating risk on the road. The new approach would change that by enabling doctors to report diagnosed conditions directly to the traffic authorities. In essence, information from a single health information system would be shared with the licensing body, creating a clearer, more up-to-date picture of a driver’s medical status.
When a driver is identified as having a medical condition that could endanger safe driving, a path exists to ensure safety without undue delay. The proposed framework would allow an extraordinary medical examination to be conducted within two months to verify whether the driver still holds authorization to operate a vehicle. If the assessment confirms a license holder is unfit to drive, the driving privileges would be revoked. This process is designed to protect highway safety while balancing the rights and responsibilities of drivers who may be dealing with health challenges. The central idea is to align medical findings with licensing decisions in a timely, transparent manner, reducing the window of uncertainty for both road users and enforcement agencies. [Citation: RG]
The intent behind these amendments is not to intrude on personal health information but to ensure that critical medical conditions are recognized and acted upon promptly. By integrating health data into a controlled, centralized system, authorities aim to prevent scenarios where a driver’s medical status changes without immediate visibility to the licensing body. Proponents argue that this approach supports proactive risk management while preserving due process for drivers who seek to maintain or regain driving privileges through appropriate medical review. The outcome would be a more reliable gauge of fitness to drive, with clear procedures for notification, review, and, when necessary, revocation. [Citation: Government documents]